Help for choosing cameras (for videos)

M

monks19

Active member
Hi, I need some help & advices. I'm starting in the filming video business (events, corporate, clips, etc) and all I have for now is 3 overused sony dsr-pd170 that I would like to replace with something with HD. I can't make up my mind about which type of camera should I choose (DSLR or pro camcorder).

Here's what I'm looking for:

A camera that can do very long continuous shooting (around 12 hours sometimes, espeacially for wedding);
Interchangeable lens or very good low light and shallow depth of field properties;
more than 1 memory card slot (SDXC, preferably);
Have good alternative replacement batteries (even chinese ones);
Solidly built (some cams with removable parts tend to be very fragile while in hand, especially the handle);
Price range aroud 5K (I'm considering buying used).

So that's it, that's what I'm looking for. Personally, I don't want to get DSLRs, thought their good esthetic qualities is a factor I can't really pass over (especially for low light and sdof). But the fact they can't do very long shooting because of over heat and also the fact that they don't have 2 memory card slots is really a bummer for me, even as B camera (mostly for weddings).

So, any good suggestions & recommandations will be welcome, please.

Thanks to answer
 
Well, every buyer has different needs and every camera has somewhat different features.

I spent a year looking for a camcorder and I do events, corporate, clips etc. - for me the big deal was 22x zoom, single lens (see posts dealing with dust import that results from lens changes), weight (I did not want anything smaller than around 5 pounds), and two-channel XLR.

I found all of what I wanted in the Panasonic AG-AC160.

I feel I just about doubled the flexibility of this camera as a result of adding a remote from Studio 1 Productions.
 
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Hi, thanks for your answer, but what about the low light and shallow depth of field ? I mean, I absolutely need those aesthetic properties to work with, especially for more artistic projects. What I'm trying to avoid is to have too many stuff for nearly nothing and that cost too much. As for the dust problem, I just have to take into habit to clean before use (capters, chips & lenses), which I was already doing with my Sony PD170.

Any other suggestions
 
monks19 said:
Hi, thanks for your answer, but what about the low light and shallow depth of field ? I mean, I absolutely need those aesthetic properties to work with, especially for more artistic projects. What I'm trying to avoid is to have too many stuff for nearly nothing and that cost too much. As for the dust problem, I just have to take into habit to clean before use (capters, chips & lenses), which I was already doing with my Sony PD170.

Any other suggestions
Click to expand...

Shallow depth of field is no problem with the Panasonic AG-AC160. Just up the ND filter or shutter speed if you have to and shoot wide open. I do it all the time with my Panasonic HPX170. Folks that think DSLR's are the only way to get shallow depth of field are misinformed.
 
Maybe look into the Canon C100 as an A cam and if you want some really cheap but good B cams, the Canon G10 or M5 series cams might match up decently. The G10 and M5 series can be had for a great price at the refurb section of Canon's website. Especially during the sales they have.
 
Be careful not to mix two worlds when looking for what you want. Shallow DOF (like a DSLR), the term video camera, interchageable lenses and $5,000 do not go together!

Interchangeable lens video cameras start with the Sony EX-300 ($8,000) but these types of cameras do not have the SDOF you are looking for (DSLR type)

DSLR type of DOF in a proper video camera body would be the C100 or AF-100 to match your $5,000 goal.

But, video cameras and SDOF (cine style production cameras) are two different beasts. This is the first thing you need to decide about. Video camera with powered zoom or SDOF camera.
 
Hi, after some time of thinking over this, I'll probably settle with a camcorder, as long it's price is respecting my budget (I'm buying used, so) and respect these requirements:

- Very good low light/iso properties (indoors & outdoors - with a possibility of adding a lens adapter/converter for more artistic projects);

- two memory card slots (for sd or other that can be adapted for sd cards - no P2, please) if possible, as I would like to avoid buying an external recorder;

- Good replacement batteries (even chinese ones);

- Very good & controlable macro;

- If possible, the ability to record in 1080p with 60 fps (not a priority, but still);

- Good iris, gain & white balance control (with black balance, if possible).

That's it. I've heard about the Panasonic AF100a, which seems to have almost everything of what I'm looking for, althought, I'm not sure it's a good idea based on the reviews I've read while searching on Google. Anybody want to share his/her experience (if any) ?

Thanks to answer
 
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